University of Minnesota Twin Cities
College of Biological Sciences and Medical School
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development

PI: David A. Largaespada

These researchers are working to exploit insertional mutagenesis for cancer gene discovery and functional genomics in the mouse. The group has heavily invested in the use of a vertebrate-active transposon system, called Sleeping Beauty (SB), for insertional mutagenesis in mouse somatic and germline cells and for gene therapy. SB is being used as a tool for forward genetic screens for cancer genes involved in solid tumors such as sarcoma, brain tumors, and prostate and lung cancer. In addition, mouse models of murine leukemia virus induced acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are being used to identify and characterize genes that have a role in leukemia progression after disease is initiated by mutations relevant to human AML. Ongoing work also includes genetic studies of myeloid leukemia chemotherapy resistance and relapse. The group is using MSI resources for analysis of microarray data and automated insertion site mapping and annotation.